Tel 07766 528 216

Client of the Month – Mary Dodd

I have been attending Virginia's Pilates classes now for just over 4 years, I had a 1-2-1 with Virginia before I joined Acclaim Pilates just to see if a) I could do it and b) if I thought I might enjoy it. I now attend classes twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Virginia was recommended to me by a physiotherapist at a local hospital 4 years ago, she advised me that a few people had mentioned Virginia by name and that it would be a very good idea to go and see her as it would be on going and one of the best ways to treat a bad back which I have had for a number of years.

I consider myself to be quite fit but with a bad back I needed some help and Pilates has definitely helped me. In June this year I went to Peru and hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it was 26 miles of very uneven paths and millions of steps up and down, it took 4 days to complete on the second day walking for 10 hours and without the benefit of going to Pilates I honestly don't think I would have been able to do it, thanks Virginia!!

I still have back pain but since attending Pilates I seem to recover more quickly and without resorting to pills, so at 65 my main aim is to keep going to Pilates and keep supple, I feel stiff if I have to miss a week. I started with just Tuesday classes but added the Thursday Advanced class before going to Peru as I wanted to be as fit as possible. Well I have now hiked the Inca trail but I will still be going to Pilates twice a week, it just seems a way of life now. I plan to add a 15-20min homework session to my week using the worksheets that Virginia prepares for us and maybe I will one day get to perform 'The Roll Up' perfectly!

I would highly recommend Virginia's classes to anyone, whatever age or fitness there is something for everyone, Virginia always gives different levels of Pilate exercise at each class so if you don't feel great one day or you feel extra fit and strong you just go with what level suits you, the exercises are always varied so you never know if you might be using bands, weights or balls so you don't get bored. I have also met some lovely people at the classes, so coffee to look forward to after a workout…

Virginia McGowan-Brown is a recognised
member of the register of exercise professionals